He pulled over and shot himself after a slow pursuit with officers trying to do a welfare check, police said.
Copeland, a married father of three, “took his own life” around 5 p.m. Friday, said Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones.
“We have become aware of the alleged unbiblical behavior related to the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Phenix City,” the Alabama Baptist State Convention and Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions said in a statement to“We are praying for the leaders of the church family as they seek to determine the truth concerning these accusations. As the people of God, we pray for the pastor and his family as well.
On Wednesday, Copeland took to the pulpit at First Baptist Church to denounce the post about him, claiming he was a “victim of an internet attack.” He then read from the 23rd Psalm as he delivered a short sermon. “God will always protect you, take care of you,” Copeland said. “He will see you through anything, absolutely anything.”
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